The Regional Municipality of York appoints Medical Officer of Health

NEWMARKET – The Regional Municipality of York is pleased to officially announce the appointment of Dr. Karim Kurji as York Region’s Medical Officer of Health. Following endorsement by York Regional Council on June 21st, Dr. Kurji’s appointment was confirmed by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care earlier this month.

“We are very pleased that Dr. Kurji will continue to bring public health leadership to York Region residents,” said York Region Chairman and CEO Bill Fisch. “Every day, Dr. Kurji lends his skill, experience, depth and professionalism to the ongoing growth and enhancement of York Region public health programs and services.”

From September 12, 2005 until February 1, 2006, Dr. Kurji held the position of York Region’s Associate Medical Officer of Health and Director of Public Health Programs.

As York Region’s Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Kurji is responsible for the strategic direction and leadership of local public health programs and services under the authority of the Health Protection and Promotion Act (HPPA) of Ontario.

“Dr. Kurji has earned the respect and admiration of the public as a compassionate community leader,” said City of Vaughan Regional Councillor Joyce Frustaglio, Chair of the Region’s Health and Emergency Medical Services Committee. “When it comes to public health issues, our residents are in good hands.”

All provincial Medical Officers of Health are first appointed by their local Board of Health and then approved by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. In the case of York Region, the Board of Health is York Regional Council.

Dr. Kurji held the position of York Region’s Associate Medical Officer of Health from 1989 until 1999.

Previously, he held senior positions with the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. Between 2003 and 2005, he served as Ontario’s Associate Chief Medical Officer of Health, and from 1999 to 2003, he was Physician Manager, Population Health Services. During his time with the Province, he also briefly held the position of Chief Medical Officer of Health and Acting Assistant Deputy Minister of Health.

Dr. Kurji received his medical training from University College Hospital, London, England and public health training in London, England and Calgary, Alberta.